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All Blacks squad named Monday 12pmUncontracted maverick helps hot Dolphins tame Tigers
George Clarke, AAP • June 20th, 2026 9:15 pm
Kodi Nikorima has had a day out at Campbelltown Stadium in a high-scoring win over the Tigers | Photo: NRL Photos
Kodi Nikorima has continued his sales pitch for a new NRL contract after piloting an undermanned Dolphins side to a seventh-straight NRL win by defeating Wests Tigers 36-22.
Without regular halves partner Isaiya Katoa and with State of Origin stars Selwyn Cobbo, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Max Plath and Tom Flegler rested, Nikorima stepped up to the plate on Saturday to keep the Dolphins in the hunt for a top-four berth.
Partnered with Brad Schneider in the halves, Nikorima had two try assists and bagged a four-pointer of his own at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Kristian Woolf's side continued their record run of wins.
Kodi Nikorima crossed for his 51st career try in the NRL against the Tigers | Photo: NRL Photos
New Zealand international Nikorima remains unsigned beyond this season with the Dolphins already having committed to Katoa and English international George Williams, who will join the Redcliffe-based side next year.
The Dolphins have indicated they want to retain Nikorima, 32, but if his star continues to shine so brightly then he may be in demand elsewhere.
"He (Nikorima) had a bit more of a leadership role this week with Isaiya out, and he really took that on really well and we needed him to," said Woolf.
"They (Schneider and Nikorima) obviously found plenty of points.
"It wasn't our best performance, but there's a lot we can take from it that's really positive."
The Dolphins ran in six tries, including one to Herbie Farnworth, to keep their hot streak going | Photo: NRL Photos
The Tigers might be left wondering how things could have been different after halfback Jock Madden (concussion) and centre Patrick Herbert (shoulder) failed to finish the first half.
Madden was the victim of a late hit from Morgan Knowles in the 23rd minute after tries from Tigers forward Sione Fainu and Herbie Dolphins centre Farnworth.
Madden dug deep into the line and was clattered by Knowles after passing the ball, but the Dolphins lock wasn't penalised despite the Tigers playmaker being taken from the field for a head injury assessment he later failed.
Jock Madden only lasted 24 minutes after failing a HIA at Campbelltown Stadium | Photo: NRL Photos
"I don't know what the bunker is allowed and not allowed to do anymore," said Tigers coach Benji Marshall, who refused to be drawn on the Madden incident.
Adam Douiehi is expected to return next week against Newcastle and will come in for Madden, if cleared to play.
Marshall's side have now just one win in their last eight games at Campbelltown and he added: "I'm of the opinion, and always have been, that it shouldn't matter where you play.
"I thought we showed a lot of resilience today, but there's moments of execution that I reckon we would like back again."
Starford Toa nudged the home side back in the lead after the Madden incident, but a try late in the first half through Connelly Lemuelu allowed the Dolphins to go in 12-10 ahead at the break.
And from there Woolf's men never relented with Tevita Naufahu finishing in the corner less than 90 seconds after the restart.
Fainu grabbed a second, but the visitors pulled away with tries from Nikorima, Trai Fuller and Jamayne Isaako sealing victory.
Alex Seyfarth clawed one back for the Tigers, but it was a case of too little too late.
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